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Top Scenic Drives Within 60 Miles Of Miami

October 4, 2013 8:00 AM

Photo Credit: jungleisland.com

Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or taking a short drive to a local destination, Miami boasts beautiful drives around every corner. Choose scenic routes to make any drive less stressful and more fun, from impressive skyscrapers to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. These are Miami’s easiest to access, most breathtaking drives, and they’re all less than 60 miles away.

This popular highway has been designated a national scenic byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Roll down the windows to feel cool ocean breezes and get a feel for coastal living cruising through areas including South Beach and Hallandale Beach on the way to the coastal state park. Visitors to John U. Lloyd State Park will find the best in outdoor recreation right next to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. A wealth of water and land activities is available at the park, including canoeing, hiking, scuba diving and bicycling. A1A serves the dual purpose of connecting you to local destinations and providing a fun road trip for out-of-town travel.

Distance: 60 miles one way
Price: $8* per vehicle, limit two to eight people per vehicle; $2* pedestrians, extra passengers, cyclists and passengers in vehicle with annual individual entrance pass/$4* motorcycle or single-occupant vehicle
*$.50 per person Monroe County surcharge
Hours: daily –8 a.m. to sundown

U.S. 1, also known as Biscayne Boulevard, is great for both local travel and out of town trips. Drive through the ultra-urban landscape of Miami and surrounding areas on Biscayne for a great scenic drive. Drivers may head south on U.S. 1 to Key Largo for an up-close view of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation’s first undersea park. In addition to the attractiveness of the unique coral reefs, the park offers an expansive campsite with a long list of amenities, including a group camping facility, boat ramps and wildlife viewing.

Distance: 23 miles one way
Price: $22 adults/$11 children ages 7 to 11/free children younger than 7
Hours: Mon to Sun – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Drivers have easy access the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades on U.S. 41, known locally as Tamiami Trail. The highway travels through Big Cypress National Preserve, and edges the northern border of Everglades National Park. Closer to home, take a historic Coopertown Airboat Tours. Since 1945, the family run business has provided airboat tours through the Florida Everglades. Visitors may come for an educational or adventurous experience as they take a guided tour through Everglades, enjoy wildlife spotting and sample world-famous frog legs at the onsite restaurant.

This local route runs along MacArthur Causeway, one of several thoroughfares connecting the mainland to Miami Beach and smaller islands along Biscayne Bay. Its unique location lends itself to alluring views, whether driving east or west on the causeway. Jungle Island’s variety of exhibits include primates, birds, reptiles and plants. Don’t miss the historic Miami Herald building, the Port of Miami and the multi-million dollar mansions of Star Island along this scenic route.

Key Biscayne and the beautiful surrounding beaches along this scenic route guarantee a great day for the whole family. Going north photograph panoramic views of downtown Miami. On a southbound trip, expect sights of warm, white sands and views of the glistening bay. The Miami Seaquarium is the local institution for an exciting performance or an intriguing lesson on all things under the sea. It’s truly a family friendly atmosphere, and offers the double benefit of enjoying the warm Miami sun while exploring the many exhibits after the exciting drive.

For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.